Typhoon Yagi weakens to tropical depression

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that by 4 a.m., the tropical depression was moving westward at a speed of 10-15 kph.

As a result of the weakened tropical depression following typhoon Yagi, widespread rain is expected from Sunday to Monday in the Northeast region and central Thanh Hoa Province, with rainfall amounts ranging from 20-50 mm, and some areas exceeding 100 mm. Mountainous regions are forecasted to receive 50-100 mm of rain, with some locations exceeding 200 mm.

The Northwest region is anticipated to experience widespread rainfall of 100-200 mm, with certain spots receiving over 350 mm. The heavy rains may lead to flooding in low-lying areas, flash floods on small rivers and streams, and landslides on steep slopes.

Typhoon Yagi entered the South China Sea (referred to as the East Sea in Vietnam) on the afternoon of Sept. 3 and rapidly developed into a super typhoon within two days. Mai Van Khiem from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting noted that Yagi is regarded as the most powerful typhoon in the last 30 years.

Between 12 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, the typhoon made landfall in northern Quang Ninh province with maximum winds reaching 166 kph, before moving into Hai Phong, Hai Duong, and Hanoi.

The storm generated "unprecedented" winds for several hours in coastal areas. Even northern Hai Duong province, located well inland, recorded strong winds.

According to the Department of Dike Management and Natural Disaster Prevention, the storm claimed the lives of four people, injured 78, and left 13 missing. Hai Phong City and the northern provinces of Quang Ninh,Thai Binh, and Hai Duong experienced widespread power outages, and telecommunications networks were disrupted for several hours.